How federal funding policy decisions could impact Kentuckians

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Confusion, fear and uncertainty overtook many Americans this week after President Donald Trump announced a freeze on federal loans and grants.

“We’re watching the same things play out in the federal government and waiting to see how they really impact us,” Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe said.

She adds there’s no need to worry. Even though the freeze was rescinded, it was never going to affect any direct services.

“When you think about Medicaid, loan payments, SNAP benefits, rent assistance, things that people really rely on every day,” she said.

While those things aren’t expected to change just yet, a new executive order could change the way taxpayer dollars go toward education.

This past November, Kentuckians voted on school choice, also known as Amendment Two. It did not pass at the state level, but this new executive order would bring back the chance for school choice in the Commonwealth.

“There’s been a long argument for a long time that education is a state’s right issue,” Mays Bledsoe said. “How that plays in to how we do it will be an interesting conversation that I think the assembly will have to take into consideration.”

Starting next Tuesday, legislators will get to work on those conversations, discussing how decisions in Washington will affect us here in Kentucky.

“I think we’re going to be very mindful to make sure we keep as much money in the budget reserve trust fund, so we can be mindful of long-term decision-making once the federal government really has laid out their plans for budget reform,” she said.